Local Government

As part of the Fair Go Rates System we assess applications from councils seeking an increase in their rates above the annual cap set by the Minister. As well as assessing applications we monitor council compliance with the cap and provide councils with guidance.
We have previously undertaken reviews into the design of a rate capping framework and a performance monitoring framework.

Other Sectors

We have two ongoing roles in reporting on Victoria's Domestic Building Insurance scheme — performance monitoring and premium validation. The Commission may also be asked to undertake reviews of other sectors.

Water Price Review 2016 – Goulburn-Murray Water

The Commission has released its final decision on Goulburn-Murray Water’s price submission for the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020.

This completes the Commission’s review of the maximum prices that Goulburn-Murray Water may charge for irrigation and drainage, bulk storage, diversion services and miscellaneous services. The Commission’s final decision also covers tariff structures and service standards.

The Commission reviewed Goulburn-Murray Water’s price proposal under the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules (WCIR). The Commission applied to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for accreditation to regulate Goulburn-Murray Water’s regulated charges in 2012. The Commission was accredited for ten years from 17 February 2012. A condition of the accreditation was that the Commission apply pricing principles developed by the ACCC when approving regulated charges under the WCIR. A copy of the accreditation can be found here.

Variation to the determination

As of 7 June 2017, the Essential Services Commission varied the Goulburn Murray Water determination (dated 15 June 2016). This variation replaces clause 2.3(b)(iii) in the determination.